2 syllables: in, dexed. Stress on in.
/ˈɪndɛkst/
Say it backIndexed describes something that has been assigned an index or has been arranged or categorized in an index. In computing or data contexts, it often means data that has been organized for quick retrieval via an index. The term blends technical sense with the general concept of indexing and labeling for reference, search, or cataloging.
"The database is indexed to improve search efficiency."
"The report is indexed by year and region for easy navigation."
"Each photograph is indexed with metadata describing its content."
Pronounce as /ˈɪn.dɛkst/ in US, UK, and AU accents. Start with a stressed first syllable IN-, followed by the /dɛkst/ cluster. The second syllable 'dex' bears a short, mid vowel /ɛ/ with a clear /d/ onset and final /t/. Mouth: lips relaxed, tip of tongue near the ridge behind upper teeth for /n/ and /d/, and the tongue blade slightly lower for /ɛ/. The final /st/ should be a crisp /s/ then /t/. Audio tip: slow to medium pace to keep the /d/ and /ks/ sequence distinct.
Two frequent errors: misplacing the /d/ and /ɛ/ as a single /dɛ/ sequence or merging /ks/ with the final /t/ into /kst/ too quickly. Another error is flattening the vowel to a lax /ə/ or mispronouncing the final /t/ as a stopless /s/ or voiceless alveolar tap. Correction: articulate /d/ after the /n/ clearly, ensure the vowel is /ɛ/, then release into /kst/ with crisp /s/ then /t/. Practice with slow, isolated sounds: /ˈɪn/ + /dɛkst/ and then blend.
In US and UK, the first syllable carries primary stress: /ˈɪn.dɛkst/. US tends to rhoticity influence vowels slightly, UK tends to a crisper /ɪ/ and more rounded /ɛ/ quality, while AU mirrors UK but can show slightly more relaxed articulation in rapid speech. The /ɪ/ vowel in the first syllable is shorter in fast speech in all accents, while /ɛ/ in the second syllable remains a mid-front vowel. Final /t/ is typically unreleased in rapid US speech but clearly released in careful speech.
The challenge lies in the consonant cluster /dɛkst/ after the /n/ and the final /t/—you must release a crisp /t/ after /s/, keeping the /d/ separate from the /e/ vowel. The /ɪ/ in the first syllable can drift toward a lax vowel if you hurry, changing the meaning to something like 'in-dexed' vs 'indexed.' Coordination of tongue tip for /n/ and /d/ and the alveolar /s/ before /t/ requires precise timing. Practice segmenting and then blending.
A unique feature is the strong onset /ˈɪn/ followed by a tightly bound /dɛkst/ cluster, particularly the transition from /d/ to /ɛ/ and then /kst/. The /kst/ sequence is a three-consonant cluster that requires a controlled release: /d/ then /ɛ/ quickly into /k/ and /s/ with less vowel length between /d/ and /k/. This makes 'indexed' notably distinct from similar words like 'index' or 'indebted' in rhythm and final consonant timing.
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Indexed comes from index, from Latin indicem meaning an identifying mark or list, from indic- (to point out) + -exus forming adjectival suffix in English. The noun index traces back to Latin indice, then French indice, with senses of a list, table of contents, or pointer for reference in medieval and early modern knowledge systems. In English, index as a verb (to make an index) and adjective (indexed data) emerged in the late 15th to 16th centuries, expanding in the 18th and 19th centuries with printing, books, and scientific cataloging. The sense broadened in computing: to index data is to create a data structure that enables quick lookup, often underpins database systems and search engines. This modern sense preserved the core idea: something that serves as a pointer or guide for efficient access.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "indexed" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "indexed" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "indexed"
-xed sounds
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